This is the Past... "SARS"

The experts seem to all agree -- it is not a question of if, but a question of when. When will there be a severe pandemic influenza outbreak?

In response, Hays Companies has developed a product to cover loss of revenues and extra expense emanating from pandemics., other illness, contamination and workplace violence.

The recent SARS epidemic demonstrates the vulnerability of the global market. The SARS epidemic was recognized as a global threat in March 2003, after first appearing in Southern China in November 2002. According to the World Health Organization during November 2002 through July 2003, a total of 8,098 people worldwide became sick with SARS, of these 774 died. By late July 2003, no new cases were reported, and WHO declared the global outbreak to be over.

The U.S. did not suffer the economic impact of SARS. However, in Canada, the economic impact was in excess of $1 billion. The tourism and hospital industry were severely impacted and Air Canada went bankrupt. Hospitals and schools were closed and 15,000 people were quarantined. SARS was mild by pandemic standards.

The last major pandemic of 1918 (Spanish Flu) took over 40 million lives compared to the typical flu season of 1 to 1.5 million. The Russian Flu (1889/90), the Asian Flu (1957/58) and Hong Kong Flu (1968/69) were mild pandemics accounting for no more deaths than a typical flu season.

What will the next pandemic bring? Estimates are that a severe pandemic would bring a 2% mortality rate (between 200,000 to 1.9 million people in the U.S. alone and between 180 and 360 million people worldwide). It would sicken 20% of the world’s population, and result in absenteeism rates in excess of 40%. It would cripple the economy and send it into a recession. The economic financial impact is estimated at between $220 and $670 billion in the U.S., and to the World GDP at between $1.25 and $2 trillion

Its seems this is the past pandemic illness... but now recently discovered pandemic illness is Swine Flu (H1N1 flu).
Flu terms defined — Seasonal flu, H1N1 flu, avian flu, and pandemic flu are not the same.

The Pandemic Illness

General Information
Pandemic Illnesses have and will continue to shape the world’s history. A pandemic occurs when a new bacteria or virus strain emerges and spreads easily from person to person. Because the virus is new, the human immune system has no pre-existing immunity. The immune system’s inability to recognize new virus strains is why pandemics have been so devastating in our history and will continue to impact the future.

About Pandemic Illness
Pandemic illnesses are caused when a new organism appears to which humans have little or no immunity or protection. Pandemic illnesses spread easily from person-to-person and can cause serious sickness and death among those infected.

Pandemic influenza is the most common type of pandemic illness. Three influenza pandemics occurred during the 20th century and more will occur in the future. Many experts predict that influenza will cause the next pandemic, but regardless of the cause, individual and family preparedness for the next pandemic is crucial.

A long-lasting and widespread outbreak of pandemic illness may mean changes in many areas of our lives. Schools may close; public events may be cancelled; public transportation may be limited; and air flights may be cancelled. If there is widespread illness employees may not be able to work, and businesses and public services may have to close or limit hours. Even food and water supplies may be interrupted leading to temporary shortages.

It is important to plan ahead for the possibility of a pandemic. Federal, state and local governments are already taking steps to prepare for, and respond to, a pandemic illness. Community members also need to take action. This blog will help you and your family plan and prepare for a pandemic illness.

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